A sleep disorder once deemed rare may be more prevalent than previously thought, according to a recent study shedding light on idiopathic hypersomnia, a neurological condition causing excessive sleepiness despite adequate rest.
Previously, estimates indicated a low prevalence of 0.037% of the population in the United States diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia in 2021.
Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study
However, a new study analyzing sleep data from nearly 800 participants challenges this assumption. Researchers found that approximately 1.5% of the individuals in the study likely suffered from this sleep disorder, revealing a significantly higher rate than previously suggested.
The study, published in Neurology on December 13, 2023, utilized data from the ongoing Wisconsin Sleep Cohort study, focusing on sleep patterns in 792 participants.
The researchers employed two diagnostic tests—polysomnography and the multiple sleep latency test—and gathered information through participant surveys on daytime sleepiness, nap duration, and nighttime sleep habits.
Dr. David Plante, co-author of the study and an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, emphasized the potential underrecognition of idiopathic hypersomnia due to the “expensive” and “time-consuming” nature of diagnostic sleep testing.
These findings challenge previous assumptions and underscore the need for increased awareness and understanding of the disorder.
“Our results demonstrate that idiopathic hypersomnia is relatively common, more prevalent than generally assumed, so there is likely a sizable difference between the number of people with this disorder and those who seek treatment,” stated Dr. Plante.
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Rare Sleep Disorder: Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Participants identified as likely having idiopathic hypersomnia exhibited more severe daytime sleepiness, even when their sleep duration-matched or exceeded that of others.
On average, these individuals fell asleep approximately nine minutes faster at night and six minutes quicker during the day than those unlikely to have the condition. Additionally, they scored higher on a sleepiness survey, indicating a greater likelihood of dozing off while sitting or talking.
While this study offers valuable insights, larger-scale research is required to confirm these findings and explore the prevalence of idiopathic hypersomnia in diverse populations.
The condition’s potential impact on employment and the observation that symptoms can remit in some cases highlight the complexity of understanding and treating this sleep disorder.
Dr. Plante emphasized the necessity for additional research to uncover the causes of idiopathic hypersomnia and develop more effective treatments.
Current treatments focus on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying causes of the disorder, making further research essential for improving outcomes for individuals affected by idiopathic hypersomnia.
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